My name and service were starting to get noticed. Just as things were looking up, things took a turn. I was diagnosed with a cancer tumor in my abdominal area and I went through a very traumatic surgery. I not only lost the tumor, I also lost a kidney and my spleen.  I felt like everything I worked so hard for was thrown out the door but I had high hopes I would recover fast and continue on with my journey of painting weddings. I wasn't going to allow cancer to take that away from me.

8 weeks into recovery I was able to do 2 Bridal Expos and met with many brides about adding Live Wedding Painting to their special day.  I began building my calendar back up to paint wedding in the summer and fall of 2026 and 2027.  My come back will be even greater!

 Two things I have learned about this whole situation is....
One-never pass up on intuition, an opportunity your heart is tugging at. When I first was introduced to wedding painting, I didn't think I could do it but my heart kept bringing me back to it. When I finally did my first wedding, I found what I was meant to do. I had always had the passion to paint but with painting weddings, I had found my purpose. My why! To use my talent for something that is all about love, dedications, and commitment. I am so blessed to be able to use my talent for something so special.
Two...Never let setbacks stop you from doing what you love doing.  My tumor and surgery was a major setback. Even though I felt like it was over, I was reminded that God doesn't give us setbacks so we would quit. He gives them to us to build us stronger. Like a potter using broken pieces and dust from past projects to create something more sturdy and beautiful,  God uses our broken pieces to make our come back greater than ever before.  ​